Natasja Naegels Policies towards Roma inclusion in Antwerp

Natasja Naegels Policies towards (Roma) inclusion in Antwerp, Belgium Atlas vzw Integratie en Inburgering Antwerpen München, December 15 th 2016

Atlas? Integration and diversity Focus on individuals Focus on organisations

Antwerp

Antwerp 518 368 inhabitants

Antwerp 518 368 inhabitants 46, 9 % other ethnic origins

Antwerp

Antwerp 518 368 inhabitants 46, 9 % other ethnic origins Number of Roma?

Antwerp 518 368 inhabitants 46, 9 % other ethnic origins 4500 -5000 Roma (est. ) = less than 1 %

Profile of Roma in Antwerp Roma Arriving since end 90 s Refugees (Kosovo) Others (Macedonia, Bulgaria) very diverse – land or region of origin – status of residency – socio-economic level – religion – etc.

(Some) Roma stand out

We need a specific approach

The Romateam Schoolmediators: → in the field Me: → facilitate the mediators → structural change in the context

Schoolmediators Merima Manuela Mirjana

Problems Truancy and non schooling (most frequent) Enrolment Behavioural issues School results Etc. Often a combination of: truancy/behaviour/parent participation/school results/referral to special needs school/practicalities/etc. • Pandora’s box. • • •

Numbers 2015 -2016 231 applications Primary schools 72 % regular 28 % special needs 52 schools 112 ♀ 119 ♂ Secundary schools 34 % regular 66 % special needs 14

Problems Girls drop out of school early

Approach 1. Strategic individual approach 2. Case management 3. Working group 4. City wide plan

Structural approach Creating a city-wide plan to address (forced) early marriage of Roma girls

Goal: moving in the same direction

Goal: moving in the same direction As many organisations as possible * alligned with approach (education, welfare organisations, city council, police force, justice system). * 12 organisations involved

Key take-away: Everb ody s hares the sa me vi and a sion ppro ach

Thank you